Luciana Almeida Silva | Photocatalysis | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Luciana Almeida Silva | Photocatalysis | Best Researcher Award

 PHD at the California Institute of Technology, USA

Luciana Almeida Silva is a Full Professor at Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), Brazil, where she earned her Ph.D. in 2001. She completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the California Institute of Technology (CALTECH) in 2006, focusing on hybrid photochemical systems for hydrogen production. Her research interests include photocatalytic hydrogen production, environmental remediation, and the synthesis of semiconductor materials. A former affiliate member of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences (2010-2014), Dr. Silva has published 52 research articles, contributing significantly to the fields of sustainable energy and environmental science.

Professional Profiles

Publications

Chalcogenide nanoparticles like CdxZn(1-x)SySe(1-y) applied to photocatalytic hydrogen production from natural seawater under visible light irradiation, Publication date:  2020.

Assessment of hydrothermal parameters in the wet synthesis of α- and β-BiTaO4 by in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction, Publication date:  2022.

Green photocatalytic remediation of Fenthion using composites with natural red clay and non-toxic metal oxides with visible light irradiation, Publication date:  2021.

Photocatalytic Removal of Cyanide from Cassava Processing Wastewater with Simultaneous Generation of H2 and C2H4 Using Ni-modified TiO2, Publication date:  2023.

Nanohybrid of two-dimensional tellurium and metal sulfotelluride for solar-driven photocatalytic hydrogen production from seawater, Publication date:  2024.

Conclusion

Luciana Almeida Silva is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given her significant contributions to the fields of photocatalysis, hydrogen production, and environmental remediation. Her extensive publication record, international collaborations, and innovative research make her a leading figure in her area of expertise. To further bolster her candidacy, she could consider broadening the application of her research, engaging more with industry, and enhancing her public outreach efforts. Overall, her work has a profound impact on sustainable energy and environmental science, making her a deserving candidate for this prestigious recognition.

Marta Llorca | Environmental science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Marta Llorca | Environmental science | Best Researcher Award

PHD at the Universitat de Barcelona, Spain

Marta Llorca, born on February 16, 1984, is a Tenured Researcher at the Instituto de Diagnóstico Ambiental y Estudios del Agua (IDAEA-CSIC) in Spain. With a PhD in Environmental Chemistry from the Universitat de Barcelona, she has pioneered research on perfluoroalkyl substances and their environmental impact, earning recognition for her innovative work. Her expertise lies in environmental chemistry, chromatographic analysis, and high-resolution mass spectrometry, focusing on emerging contaminants and (xeno)metabolomics. Marta’s contributions include developing new methodologies for analyzing contaminants in food and the environment, solidifying her reputation in the field.

Professional Profiles

Publications

Kinetics and toxicity of nanoplastics in ex vivo exposed human whole blood as a model to understand their impact on human health, Publication date:  2024.

Occurrence and fate of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in an urban aquifer located at the Besòs River Delta (Spain), Publication date:  2024.

Bioaccumulation and dietary bioaccessibility of microplastics composition and cocontaminants in Mediterranean mussels, Publication date:  2024.

Human Oral Exposure to Nano-and Microplastics and Plastic Additives in Barcelona, Spain: a series of single-case studies, Publication date:  2024.

The challenge of assessing contaminants of emerging concern and microplastics, Publication date:  2023.

Conclusion

Marta Llorca is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her pioneering research in environmental chemistry, particularly on emerging contaminants and microplastics. Her extensive publication record in high-impact journals and her progression to a tenured research position at CSIC demonstrate her dedication and influence in the field. With slight enhancements in international collaboration, project leadership, and broader impact efforts, she would be an even more compelling candidate for the award.

Ya Wang | Energy Harvesting | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Ya Wang | Energy Harvesting | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at Texas A&M University, United States

Dr. Ya Wang is a tenured Associate Professor at Texas A&M University, holding the Leland T. Jordan Career Development Professorship in the J. Mike Walker ’66 Department of Mechanical Engineering. She is also affiliated with the Departments of Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering. Dr. Wang earned her Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Tech. Her research focuses on energy harvesting, vibration control, and smart materials. She is an accomplished scholar with over 70 published journal articles, numerous awards, including the NSF CAREER Award, and three approved utility patents. Energy Harvesting

Professional Profiles

Strengths for the Award

High-Impact Research: Dr. Ya Wang’s research portfolio is impressive, with publications in high-impact journals such as Coordination Chemistry Reviews (IF: 34.3), Advanced Composites and Hybrid Materials (IF: 20.1), and Bioactive Materials (IF: 16.874). The focus on advanced materials for brain-targeted therapeutics and drug delivery systems highlights her innovative approach and significant contributions to the field.

Interdisciplinary Expertise: Dr. Wang’s affiliations with multiple departments at Texas A&M University—Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering—demonstrate her interdisciplinary expertise. This breadth of knowledge and collaboration across fields positions her as a leader in cutting-edge research areas. Energy Harvesting

Recognition and Awards: Dr. Wang has received numerous prestigious awards, including the NSF CAREER Award, Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), and the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station Engineering Genesis Awards in 2019 and 2021. These accolades underscore her excellence and leadership in research.

Editorial and Leadership Roles: Serving as an Associate Editor for multiple journals and as a member of technical committees for SPIE and ASME highlights her influence and recognition in the research community. Her editorial roles allow her to shape the direction of research in her field.

Patent Contributions: Dr. Wang holds three utility patents, indicating her ability to translate research into practical applications. This is a significant strength, demonstrating her impact beyond academia and into the industry. Energy Harvesting

Areas for Improvement

Broader Citation Impact: While Dr. Wang has a strong h-index (27) and i10-index (44), which are commendable, increasing the number of citations further would enhance her visibility and impact in the broader research community. This could involve more collaboration with researchers outside her primary disciplines or more focus on topics with widespread relevance. Energy Harvesting

Expanding Leadership Roles: Although Dr. Wang holds several significant roles in the research community, pursuing leadership positions in major international research organizations or conferences could further elevate her profile and influence.

Further Interdisciplinary Collaboration: While her work is already interdisciplinary, expanding collaborations into even more diverse fields, such as artificial intelligence or environmental engineering, could open new avenues for innovative research and funding opportunities.

Educational Background

Publications:

Brain-specific Targeted delivery of therapeutic agents using metal-organic framework-based nanomedicine, Publication date: 2024.

Pharmacokinetic modeling of solid and hollow gold-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles for brain-targeted therapeutics: prediction and experiment, Publication date: 2024.

Stage-Wise Data Balancing Promoting Toe-tapping-based Classification of Parkinson’s Disease Progression using Smart Insoles, Publication date: 2023.

Bayes Filter-based Occupancy Detection Using Networked SLeEpIR Sensors, Publication date: 2023.

Promoting Occupancy Detection Accuracy Using On-Device Lifelong Learning, Publication date: 2023.

Amal Balila | Bio-based materials | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Amal Balila | Bio-based materials | Best Researcher Award

PHD at University Putra Malaysia, Malaysia

Dr. Amal Mohammed Hassan Balila is an experienced architect and academic with a Ph.D. in Construction Management and Engineering from the University of Reading. Her research focuses on enhancing the strength and durability of adobe bricks using bio-inspired stabilizers. She also holds an MSc in Sustainable Building Technology from the University of Nottingham. Dr. Balila has over ten years of expertise in architectural design, sustainable building technologies, and Building Information Modelling (BIM). She is committed to advancing sustainable construction practices and has a broad network of collaborations with various institutions and experts worldwide. Currently, she is a Senior Architect at Samer Engineering Consultancy Group in Oman.

Professional Profiles

Education

PhD. in Construction Management and Engineering Institution: University of Reading, United Kingdom Thesis Title: “Enhancing Strength and Durability of Adobe Bricks by Introducing Bio-inspired Stabilisers” Years Attended: 2012 – 2017 MSc. in Sustainable Building Technology (with Merit) Institution: University of Nottingham, United Kingdom Dissertation Title: “Impact of Curved Building Plans on Building Energy Performance in Different Climates in Comparison to Straight Plans Using Ecotect Software” Years Attended: 2008 – 2009 BSc. in Architecture (Honours 1st class) Institution: University of Khartoum, Sudan Thesis Title: “Khartoum Natural History Museum” Years Attended: 2000 – 2005

Work Experience

Senior Architect/BIM Advocator Company: Samer Engineering Consultancy Group, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman Key Responsibilities: Conducting client meetings to understand needs and present design concepts. Promoting BIM in Oman’s AEC industry through workshops, presentations, and training sessions. Mentoring junior staff on BIM software and workflows. Managing design processes and overseeing project construction. Reviewing technical shop drawings and developing project timelines and budgets. Achievements: Designed numerous architectural projects including private villas, schools, and residential-commercial buildings. Conducted multiple BIM workshops and provided training on Autodesk Revit, Graphisoft ArchiCAD, and Autodesk Navisworks. Lecturer Institution: University of Technology & Applied Science, Salalah, Sultanate of Oman Key Responsibilities: Teaching History of Architecture and other architectural courses. Coordinating and supervising architectural studio and thesis projects. Developing and updating the architecture curriculum. Achievements: Developed a benchmark for curriculum comparison aiding in the accreditation process. Created course material for the bachelor-level History of Architecture course. Assistant Professor Institution: University of Khartoum, Sudan Key Responsibilities: Coordinating projects and supervising students. Teaching various construction and architecture courses. Conducting BIM training programs and workshops.

Awards

Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining Award for excellence in presentation (2016). Best poster certificate at the Annual Doctoral Research Conference, University of Reading (2013). Multiple awards for academic performance from the University of Khartoum and Sudanese architectural societies.

Research Focus

Amal Mohammed Hassan Balila’s research primarily focuses on sustainable construction practices, with a specific emphasis on enhancing the strength, durability, and structural stability of adobe bricks using bio-inspired stabilizers. Her work addresses the practical application of innovative building materials and technologies in housing, particularly in the outskirts of Khartoum, Sudan. Through her research, she evaluates the thermal performance and sustainability aspects of various building materials, aiming to improve housing standards and construction techniques suitable for local environments. Amal’s contributions extend to advancing appropriate technology solutions tailored to Sudan’s housing needs, integrating principles of sustainability and architectural innovation.

Publications

  1. Sustainable bio-inspired stabilisers to enhance the strength, durability and structural stability of adobe bricks used for the construction of houses in the outskirts of Khartoum, Publication date: 2016.
  2. Enhancing strength and durability of adobe bricks by introducing bio-inspired stabilisers, Publication date: 2017.
  3. Appropriate technology for housing in Sudan: evaluation of selected innovative building materials and technologies, Publication date: 2010.
  4. Comparative analysis on the thermal performance of selected building materials and technologies for housing in the sudan, Publication date: 2016.
  5. Young Researchers’ Forum III 2016 Innovation in Construction Materials. Publication date: 2016.
  6. Wall materials and techniques available for low cost housing in Khartoum from a sustainability point of view, Publication date: 2013.
  7. Sustainable Architecture and Urban Development
  8. Technology Transfer in Building Technology for Housing: Answering a Felt Need
  9. Appropriate Technology for Housing in Sudan: Evaluation of Innovative Building Materials and Construction Techniques
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